Trustees

Jan moved from Auckland to Central Otago in 2007. She has a BA majoring in Art History and English and has always harboured a love of the visual, literary and performing arts. In 1987 she was instrumental in establishing one of New Zealand’s first art collectives, The Blythe Collection (1987-2007) whose focus  was exploring the development of post-World War 2 painting in New Zealand. Since being in Central Otago she has concentrated on arts administration and commitment to helping the region become a lively magnet for the whole arts community.

A self confessed book worm, Jan would like to see Central Otago celebrated nationwide for its literary heritage and outstanding writers and poets.

Dorothy attended University of Canterbury School of Fine Arts in the late 60's. Under the tuition of some of New Zealand's leading artists, these exciting and inspirational years instilled in her a love of all things to do with art which continues to this day. A desire to paint full time following art school did not eventuate due to family commitments and she spent much of her working life in tourism management and marketing. Given her early background in the arts, Dorothy had a very strong sense of heritage, culture and the arts on the essence and character of a city or region. She sees arts/ culture as a cornerstone of a regional economy and would like Central Otago to grow as an arts destination, attracting not only domestic and international visitors but more artists to live in the region.

Roger retired in 2007 to Alexandra from a position of Senior Lecturer at Massey University. He has BSc (Hons), Masters, and PhD degrees in physics and electronic engineering. He is a keen cellist, playing with the Central Otago Regional Orchestra. He has played for productions by the Central Otago Regional Choir and the Alexandra Musical Society. He has performed with a number of orchestras in the North Island including the Manawatu Sinfonia and the Whanganui Opera Orchestra. He has given numerous performances with chamber music groups including as a member of the Manawatu Baroque Soloists.

As an enthusiastic writer, both fiction and nonfiction, Roger is keen to promote writing within the community. He is president of the Creative Writers Circle in Alexandra.

Roger is on the Vincent Community Board. He is also involved in a number of other community groups including REAP and ADMI.

Amie has recently joined the Central Otago District Arts Trust as a representative of the Maniototo. Further information on Amie will be loaded soon. 

Alan is a retired lawyer, living in Bannockburn. He is passionate about all forms of artistic expression, in particular the visual arts of drawing, painting and sculpture. He is also interested in creative poetry and other forms of literature. Alan has had four joint exhibitions and one solo exhibition and therefore understands the creative process from inception to exhibition. He is Vice Chairperson of the Cromwell Heritage Precinct Board and a director of the Cromwell Rotary Club. Alan is a keen sportsman, amateur landscaper and gardener with two adult children and a partner who is experienced in written communications (a former journalist). 

Isabel is a graphic designer with over 20 years experience working in studios in Australia, Scotland, and New Zealand. While in Scotland, she worked on projects for Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations, Edinburgh International Festival, Fort William UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup and World Championships, Cow Parade Edinburgh, and EventScotland. After leaving the UK, she worked as senior designer within the Marketing Department at Otago Polytechnic, then as a secondary school visual arts and technology teacher at Columba College. Isabel currently works as a graphic designer in Alexandra, and is keen to encourage youth participation in local creative projects and events.

A life-long passion for the Arts, both performing and visual, lead to a career which included General Manager of the Wellington Sinfonia and ten years as CEO of Chamber Music New Zealand the leading promoter of New Zealand and International chamber music ensembles and musicians in a concert series throughout New Zealand. He is a cellist which he learnt from an early age with further study in New Zealand and London.

Since moving to Central Otago Brian has been performing as part of a number of chamber music ensembles based out of Wanaka and has performed in a number of concerts in recent months. He held the position of Manager of Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery in Alexandra from August 2020 to August 2021 and enjoyed being involved in the mounting of a number of exhibitions at Central Stories and having interaction with Artists from the Region.

Brian is also currently a Trustee of the At the Worlds Edge Chamber Music Festival held annually in October in Southern Lakes and Central Otago.

Motorsport is another life-long passion and prior to moving to Alexandra held the position of CEO of MotorSport NZ for ten years and still does voluntary work for that organisation.

Brian has a desire to see the arts in Central Otago grow and flourish with opportunities being made available for young people to get more involved along with growth in the recognition and appreciation of the Arts.

Jan has lived in the Central Otago area since 1994, when she became principal of Cromwell College. She and photographer husband Tim Hawkins have shown an interest in the Central Otago Arts for all of that time. When Jan owned Bannockburn Cafe and Store (now called Black Rabbit) she featured a new Central Otago artist on the walls every month. She was one of the two co-founders of the Bannockburn Arts Festival (Across the Bridge) and has just retired from that after 13 years. She serves on the Cromwell and District Arts Council Inc (Arts Central) and promotes the arts through Cromwell Bulletin articles.